Berlin Police Investigate €1.8 Million COVID-19 Aid Fraud Scheme
Searches at multiple locations uncover evidence implicating four suspects, including two lawyers, in fraudulent subsidy applications totaling over €7.5 million.
- The Berlin State Criminal Police Office conducted searches at four residences and a law firm in connection with COVID-19 aid fraud investigations.
- Authorities are investigating four suspects: a 53-year-old lawyer, a 35-year-old lawyer, a 35-year-old man, and a 54-year-old woman.
- The 53-year-old lawyer is accused of filing at least 80 fraudulent applications between 2020 and 2022, involving 66 businesses and individuals.
- Approximately €1.8 million of the €7.5 million in fraudulent applications were disbursed, according to investigators.
- Evidence suggests the suspects knowingly submitted false information and recruited ineligible applicants to exploit the pandemic relief program.